Human nature is fascinating. There are those that need routine - they find what they like or what works for them – and stick with it. While other folks like to deviate from the norm - they take chances and sometimes win big, but sometimes lose big as well. I’m a little of both. I like to be adventurous and try new things, but I also really enjoy my “go-to” or favorite things.
Left Hand Brewing Company |
Beer drinking shines a light on this for me. I have a narrow lane I travel down as far as
beer taste. I am compelled to try different
beers from time to time but usually stay on the course of a Hop Head. When I occasionally veer off, it’s at the
prompting of a friend. Like when (not
so) Big Jim just raved and raved about Left Hand’s Milk Stout. This had my interest; because my buddy Ray brought
me some Left Hand 400 pound Monkey awhile back (we both enjoyed them). However, I had caution with the Milk Stout because
stouts are traditionally dark beers, with a rich taste not in line with my
own. But then again, this is Jim, who many
accuse of being my doppelganger. I HAD to give it a try. So Gemini (Jim and I)
are hanging at the next party, crack open a few left handers and we’re both
moved with big reactions – his of bliss, mine of horror. Big Jim couldn’t be happier; I couldn’t be
farther from happy. I contemplated how I was gonna choke this down so I didn’t
lose my man card. I made it halfway down the pint glass before I acquiesced,
declared I was less-than manly and merged back onto a familiar, hoppy, road.
Big Jim On The Left, Me On The Right |
I most likely headed for something like a Swamp Head BigNose, Terrapin Hopsecutioner or Cigar City’s Jai Lai IPA.
Brewed in Tampa, Florida, Cigar City’s Jai Lai offers a distinct blend of citrus
and floral hopiness bite. Can’t really decide if it is a good looking can or
not, but this was my go-to IPA. Delivering 7.5 ABV, it’s a good mid-to-high-level
drinker. Kinda like Dale’s Pale Ale, but leaning much heavier to the citrusy
side.
Cigar City IPA |
But… one day, headed down to Alligator Point for a weekend
this past summer, I just knew ABC was going to have my beloved Jai Lai. The
North Side ABC has it, why wouldn’t the South Side? When looking for that
distinctive can, I was slightly fooled by this “other” green can. The background
graphics are similar, but it was missing the distinctive orange lettering. I
looked around the aisles and in the coolers and found no Jai Lai. Having
accepted that I wouldn’t find my go-to, I decided to venture out and try
something new. I commenced with a build-a-six and selected two Dale’s, two
Hoplantas and two of the other green cans – two Avery India Pale Ales. This looked like Jai Lai, boasted similar
stats and quite frankly, was what was available.
Avery IPA |
I already had a six of Sweetwater Yellow Label (aka IPA),
so I only needed that extra six, and could wait until it was cold. Later… at
first crack, the offering from Avery was delicious. Already skeptical and fearful of being out of
my taste lane, this beer made easy work of calming me down. Brewed in Colorado, from guys who drink what
they make and make what they like to drink, Avery IPA is a really, really good
beer. Somewhat of a doppelganger to Cigar City’s offering, I’ve actually come
to prefer the Avery. Side by side, most
would say they’re the same… but it’s the little differences. While they share
similar characteristics, the 6.5% ABV Avery’s taste blend leans heavier to the
floral side. All in all, I’d rank this
beer second on my list of everyday beers (with Dale’s topping the list). So… the moral of the story? If you see a guy
that looks like me, dressed in a bikechain.com kit, it’s prolly just Jim after
Thanksgiving; AND be sure to venture out of your comfort zone (ahem, Mark) when
selecting your next beer; AND be sure to give Avery IPA a try, you’ll love it. Bikechain